New York City

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Cybersecurity and Scam Awareness

Awareness about online and phone scams, as well as safe usage of internet and digital systems.

Sections

1. Categories of Cybersecurity Threats and Scams in NYC

A. Online Scams

  1. Phishing Emails and Texts

    • Scammers impersonate legitimate organizations (banks, government agencies, delivery services) to steal personal information.
    • Example: An email claiming to be from the IRS asking for your Social Security Number (SSN) or bank details.
    • Tip: Always verify the sender's email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

  2. Fake Job Offers

    • Scammers post fake job listings or contact individuals with lucrative job offers to steal personal information or demand upfront fees.
    • Tip: Research the company and never pay for a job application or training.

  3. Online Marketplace Scams

    • Fake listings on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. Scammers may ask for payment upfront and disappear.
    • Tip: Use secure payment methods and meet in public places for transactions.

  4. Romance Scams

    • Scammers build fake relationships online to manipulate victims into sending money.
    • Tip: Be cautious of people who quickly ask for financial help or avoid meeting in person.

B. Financial Scams

  1. Credit Card Skimming

    • Devices installed on ATMs or payment terminals steal card information.
    • Tip: Use ATMs inside banks and check for tampering before inserting your card.

  2. Fake Charity Scams

    • Scammers pose as charities, especially after disasters or during the holiday season.
    • Tip: Verify charities through websites like Charity Navigator or the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.

  3. Lottery or Prize Scams

    • Youโ€™re told youโ€™ve won a prize but must pay a fee to claim it.
    • Tip: Legitimate lotteries donโ€™t ask for upfront payments.

C. In-Person Scams

  1. Street Scams

    • Examples include fake monks asking for donations, "free" bracelets or CDs that come with a demand for payment, or rigged street games like the shell game.
    • Tip: Politely decline and walk away.

  2. Taxi and Rideshare Scams

    • Overcharging, taking longer routes, or fake rideshare drivers.
    • Tip: Use official apps like Uber or Lyft and confirm the driverโ€™s identity before entering the vehicle.

  3. Fake Tickets or Tours

    • Scammers sell counterfeit tickets to events or attractions.
    • Tip: Buy tickets only from official websites or authorized vendors.

D. Cybersecurity Threats

  1. Public Wi-Fi Risks

    • Hackers can intercept data on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
    • Tip: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (e.g., banking) on public Wi-Fi. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.

  2. Social Media Scams

    • Fake profiles or messages trick users into sharing personal information or clicking malicious links.
    • Tip: Be cautious about accepting friend requests or messages from strangers.

  3. Identity Theft

    • Scammers steal personal information to open accounts or make purchases in your name.
    • Tip: Monitor your credit report regularly and use identity theft protection services.

2. Financial Risks Involved

  • Direct Losses: Scams can result in immediate financial losses, ranging from a few dollars (e.g., street scams) to thousands (e.g., identity theft or wire fraud).
  • Indirect Costs: Victims may face costs for legal assistance, credit monitoring, or recovering stolen funds.
  • Emotional Impact: Beyond financial loss, scams can cause stress, anxiety, and a loss of trust.

3. General and Legal Procedures for Handling Scams

A. Immediate Steps if Youโ€™re Scammed

  1. Stop Communication: Cease all contact with the scammer.
  2. Document Everything: Save emails, messages, receipts, or screenshots as evidence.
  3. Report the Scam:
    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
    • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Report online scams at ic3.gov.
    • NYPD: For in-person scams, file a police report at your local precinct.

B. Recovering Financial Losses

  1. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company:
    • Dispute unauthorized charges or request a chargeback.
  2. Freeze Your Credit:
    • Contact credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent further fraud.
  3. Use Identity Theft Resources:

C. Legal Protections

  • New York State Consumer Protection Laws: Protect against deceptive business practices.
  • Federal Laws: Include the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), which limit liability for unauthorized transactions.
  • Small Claims Court: If the scam involves a local business or individual, you can file a claim in NYC Small Claims Court for amounts up to $10,000.

4. NYC-Specific Considerations

A. High Tourist Traffic

  • Scammers often target tourists in popular areas like Times Square, Central Park, and near major attractions.
  • Tip: Be cautious of unsolicited offers and overly friendly strangers.

B. Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

  • NYC offers free public Wi-Fi in parks, subways, and other locations, but these networks are often unsecured.
  • Tip: Use a VPN and avoid entering sensitive information while connected.

C. MetroCard Scams

  • Scammers may sell fake or expired MetroCards for subway access.
  • Tip: Only purchase MetroCards from official vending machines or authorized retailers.

D. Language Barriers

  • Scammers may exploit non-English speakers by posing as immigration officials or government agents.
  • Tip: Government agencies will never demand payment over the phone or threaten deportation.

5. Actionable Tips for Staying Safe

A. Cybersecurity Best Practices

  1. Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
  3. Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
  4. Install antivirus software and a VPN on your devices.

B. Scam Awareness

  1. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
  2. Verify the identity of anyone asking for money or personal information.
  3. Avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone, email, or text.

C. Emergency Contacts

  • NYPD (Non-Emergency): 311
  • NYPD (Emergency): 911
  • FTC Consumer Hotline: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
  • Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)

By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams or cybersecurity threats in New York City. Always trust your instincts, and when in doubt, seek advice from trusted sources or authorities. Safe travels!